What this guide covers
- The two subjects that decide it
- A Levels for engineering
- The IB Diploma for engineering
- AP and the American route
- Further maths and preparation
- How to choose
- Frequently asked questions
The two subjects that decide it
For almost every engineering degree, two subjects do the heavy lifting: mathematics and physics. Universities express their engineering offers around these, and a student who is strong in both is well placed whatever qualification they hold. As with medicine, the curriculum label matters far less than the subjects studied and the grades achieved, so the practical question is which system lets a student take maths and physics to the highest level available.
This focus on two core subjects makes engineering planning relatively clear. A student who protects maths and physics in their timetable, and adds a third subject that supports them, has built the foundation that engineering admissions look for.
It also helps to know that engineering is a broad family of disciplines, from mechanical and civil to electrical, chemical and software, and while entry requirements are similar across them, some branches lean more heavily on particular subjects. A student drawn to chemical engineering, for example, benefits from chemistry alongside maths and physics, while a software leaning applicant gains from any computing or further mathematics on offer. The common core stays the same, so a strong grounding in mathematics and physics keeps every branch of engineering open.
A Levels for engineering
A Levels suit engineering well because they let a student concentrate on maths and physics in depth, often with a third subject such as further mathematics, chemistry or a design subject. Offers are stated directly in named subject grades, so an applicant can read an engineering course page and see exactly what is required. For competitive engineering courses, further mathematics is frequently recommended and sometimes required, which A Levels accommodate naturally.
The strength of this route is depth in the exact subjects engineering values. The trade off is early commitment, so a student who is still exploring may prefer a broader programme before specialising.
The IB Diploma for engineering
The IB Diploma is also a strong route into engineering. The key is taking mathematics at the appropriate higher level and physics at higher level, since engineering courses focus on higher level performance in these subjects. Because the Diploma keeps a student studying a spread of subjects, a future engineer also continues a language and a humanity, which some universities value for breadth.
The planning point is the mathematics course. The IB offers different mathematics routes, and engineering applicants should choose the one that leads to the higher level analytical pathway that universities expect, then confirm the specific requirement on each course page.
AP and the American route
Students in American style schools can enter engineering too. For a United Kingdom engineering course, an AP applicant usually needs several Advanced Placement exams at grade 5 including calculus and physics, sometimes alongside the high school diploma, because each AP covers less than a full A Level. For engineering in the United States, the undergraduate degree itself is the professional route, so schools look at the overall high school record with strong maths and science alongside admissions tests.
As with other subjects, an AP student should decide their target country early, because the same profile reads differently across systems. Background on this route sits in the Advanced Placement hub.
Check the maths requirement carefully
Engineering courses are specific about mathematics, and some name further mathematics or a particular IB mathematics route. Always confirm the current requirement on each engineering course page before choosing subjects, and use our curriculum hub for background on each system.
Further maths and preparation
For selective engineering courses, additional mathematics can make a real difference. In the A Level system this is further mathematics, and in the IB it is the higher level analytical mathematics route. Where a course lists these as recommended, a student who takes them signals readiness for the mathematical demands of an engineering degree. Some competitive courses also use admissions tests or ask for a personal statement showing genuine interest in engineering.
Because these elements take time, they are best planned well ahead of the final year. Students weighing where engineering leavers study may find our overview of university destinations a helpful reference point.
How to choose
For a student aiming at engineering, the practical answer is to pick the curriculum their school offers that lets them take mathematics and physics to the highest level, add further mathematics where possible, and target strong grades. A Levels suit a decisive, mathematically focused student, the IB suits one who wants that depth within a broader programme, and AP works for those in American style schools planning their country early. The subjects and grades decide the outcome, not the name of the qualification.
Families comparing routes in detail may find our A Level and IB comparison for universities and our guide to subject combinations for competitive courses useful when planning an engineering application.
Frequently asked questions
What subjects do I need for engineering?
Mathematics and physics are the core requirements for almost every engineering degree. Some competitive courses also ask for or recommend further mathematics.
Is the IB good for engineering?
Yes. The IB Diploma works well for engineering when a student takes the higher level analytical mathematics route and physics at higher level, then meets the points required.
Do engineering courses require further maths?
Some selective engineering courses require or strongly recommend further mathematics, or the equivalent higher level IB mathematics. Requirements vary, so check each course page.
Can I study engineering with AP?
Yes. For a UK engineering course an AP applicant usually needs several APs at grade 5 including calculus and physics. For the US, the undergraduate engineering degree is the professional route.